This season of parenting little kids can be extremely exhausting, both physically and emotionally, can’t it? I found that with one kiddo, it was still relatively easy to make time for myself as Ainsley got older, but when two kids were in the mix finding pockets of time for some rest, rejuvenation and self care was even harder to come by. Now that they are both getting a little older, it’s a little easier to find some time for myself … Read More
Easy, Perfectly-Cooked Salmon
Fish is one of the easiest foods to prepare and one of the foods that I think intimidate a LOT of people. Perhaps it’s because I live in the Midwest and finding good seafood isn’t always easy (hint: I buy mine at Costco!) or because people didn’t grow up eating it, but whatever the reason, there is no need to avoid making this protein. Salmon is one of our family’s favorite proteins. We usually buy the frozen salmon filets from … Read More
Mind and Body After Baby // 9 Month Update (the second time around)
swimsuit top / similar style/same brand swimsuit bottoms / collins’s suit Well, we are here! Nearly to the point where Collins has been out in the world as long as she was in my tummy. I can’t believe that she is already so big and so far into her first year of life. The second baby’s life goes even faster than the first and I am, as always, equal parts delighted and dismayed seeing this little kiddo of mine grow … Read More
Eating Without Food Labels
Friends, can we talk about something that has been on my heart to talk about for a while now? I shared on Instagram this week about how very over food labels and rules I am. Keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, Whole 30. The entire conversation has worn me down into the ground and driven me crazy and today I want to dig a little deeper into my own journey with food to share with you just why it drives me nuts. … Read More
Safer Skincare in the New Year
Happy Friday, friends! As we embark on a new year, I know a lot of you are in the business of making resolutions. Resolutions about health, wellness, family, faith and more. It can be both inspiring and overwhelming, can’t it? I’ve been doing a lot of goal-setting and planning over here, including the following: -Push myself outside my comfort zone -Set big, scary goals -Be consistent and diligent in prayer for others -Work hard at work; rest and fully disconnect … Read More
What I’m Loving // Athleisure Edition
Mom life and working at home means I spend a LOT of time in more athletic clothes than I would like to admit. On days that I’m working I try to get dressed in real clothes most of the time, but when I’m not working and hanging with the girls, I much prefer to be in comfy-cute clothes. It allows me to be a more active, interactive mom when I’m comfortable and ready for a game of tag, hide and … Read More
Tips for Travel with Little Ones
We have recently returned from our first big trip with both girls and man, what an adventure! We had a wonderful time in Florida and I certainly learned that travel with one toddler is not the same as travel with a toddler and a baby. It was good for us to take the trip and learn a little bit about what to do differently the next time we embark on a big trip with these two – most likely this … Read More
Healthy Postpartum Hair // A Regrowth Story
I’ve talked a lot about hair on Espresso and Cream over the years. About a year ago, I posted this while I was contemplating what to do with my hair. It was brittle, breaking off like crazy, and incredibly unhealthy, despite being 1 1/2 years postpartum and pregnant with another baby. Babies, man, they are hard on your hair! Less than a year ago shortly after writing that post, I decided to chop my hair. My stylist agreed that there … Read More
let me stay in this season
Last week I was sitting with a handful of moms a few steps ahead of me in the parenting journey – moms who have kids who can stay by themselves for a few hours at a time, who don’t wear diapers or take naps and spend the whole day at school. Who dress themselves and can go to the bathroom without assistance. As I listened to them talk, for a second it sounded really nice. On the hard, long days … Read More
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches
This post is sponsored by Tyson as part of the #JimmyDeanSausage campaign. All opinions are my own and I so appreciate you supporting the brands that make Espresso and Cream possible. Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day as an adult. Perhaps because it’s accompanied by lots of coffee with half and half, or because these is a level of comfort and ease around our breakfast table that doesn’t exist other times of the day. I wish … Read More
Mind and Body After Baby (The second time around) // 6 Months
I can’t believe we are here, six months postpartum with Collins! I remember thinking about when I would write a six month postpartum wellness/fitness update and thinking it seemed SO far out, but time has passed so quickly. My hope in writing these updates is that I can be an encouragement to those who are perhaps not quite so far along in their postpartum recovery. I remember looking at my body in the hospital and being both in awe of … Read More
Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Dates
This post is sponsored by Tyson as part of the #TysonMadeWithLove campaign. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Espresso and Cream possible! We’re just starting to get into the swing of holiday parties and events over at the Hofmeyer house. The introvert in me has mixed feelings about lots of holiday engagements, something that is entirely lost on my extroverted husband. Anyway…. With two busy kiddos, general schedule craziness and holiday commitments … Read More